The Hawkeye was evolved as a carrier-borne early-warning aircraft, but is suitable for land-based operations from unimproved fields. The prototype flew for the first time on 21 October 1960, since when four versions have been built.
The E-2A (formerly known as the W2F-1) was the initial production version and flew for the first time on 19 April 1961. Delivery of 62 to the US Navy began on 19 January 1964. The E-2B version, which flew for the first time in February 1969, differs from the E-2A by having a Litton Industries L-304 micro-electronic general-purpose computer and reliability improvements. A retrofit programme updated all operational E-2A to this standard.
The E-2C first flew in January 1971 and 41 had been delivered by the end of 1977. Firm orders exist for a total of 47 aircraft, with procurement of 36 more by the end of 1985. Israel has four and in 1979 Japan released funds for the first four of an eventual total of about 15 for the JASDF. The E-2G has an advanced radar that is capable of detecting airborne targets anywhere in a three-million-cubic-mile surveillance envelope. It first entered service with the US Navy in November 1973 and went to sea on board USS Saratoga in late 1974. A training version is designated TE-2C.
Teams of Hawkeyes are able to maintain patrols on naval task force defence perimeters in all weathers, at an operating height of about 9,150m. They are capable of detecting and assessing any threat from approaching high-Mach-number enemy aircraft over ranges approaching 480km. The radar also monitors movements of enemy ships and land vehicles. It enables each E-2C to track, automatically and simultaneously, more than 250 targets and to control more than 30 airborne interceptions. To make this possible highly sophisticated equipment is carried by the aircraft, including a Randtron Systems AN/APA-171 antenna system housed in a 7.32m diameter saucer-shaped rotodome mounted above the rear fuselage of the aircraft.
I have been involved with the E-2 since 1979. Started doing Mods. in Norfolk VA, went to Egypt to train Egyptian maintainers in the Eighties, then to Pax. River to support Hawkeye flight testing until my retirement in 2010.
THE E2 IS A GRAND LADY AND I WAS PROUD TO WORK ON HER. I WORKED ON #A1 IN 1972 TILL I RETIRED IN 2007 I TRAVELED EXTENSIVELY AROUND THE WORLD. I ALSO WORKED WITH SOME OF THE BEST MECHANICS IN THE BUSINESS.THANKS AGAIN HUMMER.
The E2 is still being manufactured in 2010. The E2D prototypes are flying and the production line is gearing up for its new contract of 7 aircraft. The new version has replaced the 4 blade prop with an 8 blade and the cockpit indicators are replaced with 3 computer displays. Needless to say, the avionics packages are completely new also.
I was among the first cadre of nuggets to fly the E-2. We had a great squadron of highly trained pilots ( VAW-11). The Hawkeye did have some tail crack problems in the mid-60's. Once on the Ranger the entire empennage separated from the aircraft after trapping. Often, the early pilots flew the old bird quite aggresssively which probably did not help the tail assembly. Looks like the E-2 will be the longest prodction carrier aircraft in Naval Aviation history...going on 50 years soon. The old INS was unreliable at times which caused some concern when flying over Yankee station back in the Vietnam days. Luckly we had the DaNang tacan for fix up-dates or Boc Lon Island could be used until it became too hot to fly over. Interesting times....
The E-2A and B used Aeroproducts metal props (Aeroproducts division of GM's Allison.) Some old time mechs told me these props were very prone to fling a blade.
From the web: As the turbo-prop era evolved in the late 1950s, the Aeroproducts hollow-bladed propellers featured self-feathering, reverse pitch, synchronizing /synchrophasing, and electric de-icing. These units were used on the Allison T-56 turboshaft powered Lockheed L-188 Electra, Convair 580, Grumman E2A Hawkeye, and Lockheed C-130A aircraft. The last Aeroproducts propeller unit was delivered in 1974, and the final blade was plated in the Indianapolis Plant 5 on January 12, 1977, marking the end of Aeroproducts propeller line.
Jim, the initial prop system on the E-2 and C-2 was the Allison prop. The Ham standard prop didn't hit the fleet until 1975. I know that because I was the C-2 Model Manager from 1974 to 1976. I also flew with Walt Berndt- the Grumman E-2 /C-2 test pilot-on the initial testing of the Ham-standard prop. That took place in the Phillipines at VRC-50 in Feb. 1975. If you have any questions, give me a call. 952-474-5623 I have well over 1000 hours of PIC in the C-2, and close to 600 hours in the E-2. I also have 600 hours plus in the A-3 Skywarrior, and the A-4 Skyhawk.
